Economics of Happiness

On Topic

Analyzing the economics of happiness combines the techniques of economists and psychologists. Experts have measured the sense of well-being of hundreds of thousands of people around the world, and examined the surprising range of factors contributing to happiness.

A demonstrator holds a sign reading "the American dream is over" during a rally outside Wall Street in New York (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton).

Opinion

Is the American Dream Losing its Appeal?

September 23, 2013, Carol Graham

Carol Graham examines how globalization impacts income inequality and social mobility and argues that technology-driven growth can play a role in increasing inequality.

Recent Activity

Refine by: Subjective Well-being | Global Development | Opportunity and Well-being | Economics

Podcast

Why Economic Expansion in Places Like Turkey and Russia Won’t Stop Protests

August 13, 2013, Clifford G. Gaddy and Carol Graham
News Release

Justin Wolfers Rejoins Brookings Economic Studies as Senior Fellow

July 31, 2013
Speech | Boston Federal Reserve Bank Conference on Monetary Policy and the Labor Market

Comments on David Blanchflower, David Bell, Alberto Montagnoli, and Mirko Moro, “The Effects of Macroeconomic Shocks on Well-being”

April 12, 2013, Carol Graham
In the News

The idea is that these metrics can complement [measures such as GDP]…and they often tell us very different things. [Well-being data] give you a wider choice set when you're making a policy decision.
April 10, 2013, Carol Graham, Wall Street Journal
Radio Interview | KNPR

Measuring Happiness

February 22, 2013, Carol Graham
In the News

[Among those who have greater access to technology, there are] signs of increased stress and anger, including among cohorts for whom access to the new technologies is relatively new and for those who gain new access to financial services via mobile banking.
January 3, 2013, Carol Graham, Bloomberg
Paper

Does Access to Information Technology Make People Happier?

December 2012, Carol Graham and Milena Nikolova
Opinion | Zócalo Public Square

How Can We Most Effectively Measure Happiness?

October 17, 2012, Carol Graham
Paper

Gender and Well-Being Around the World

August 20, 2012, Carol Graham and Soumya Chattopadhyay
Book

The Pursuit of Happiness: An Economy of Well-Being, Paperback Edition

2012, Carol Graham